The state aid picture
Wyoming's standout state aid is the Hathaway Scholarship, funded by a mineral-revenue endowment, with both merit and need components — administered by the Wyoming Department of Education and the Community College Commission.
Merit & lottery scholarships
- Hathaway ScholarshipA tiered program (Honors, Performance, Opportunity, and Provisional levels) combining a merit award — earned through GPA, ACT/WorkKeys, and a required curriculum — with a need-based supplement, usable at the University of Wyoming and Wyoming community colleges.
Promise & free-college programs
Wyoming's Tomorrow Scholarship helps adults (24+) earn credentials, and Wyoming Works supports students in high-demand fields at community colleges. The Cowboy Commitment provides free tuition at the University of Wyoming for eligible Pell students.
College savings (529 plan)
Wyoming is the only state without its own 529 plan — Wyoming families can still save for college by using another state's 529 (there's no Wyoming income tax, so there's no state deduction to lose).
Applying & the state agency
Nearly all state aid starts with the FAFSA. From there:
- File the FAFSA earlyIt's the trigger for state grants and many scholarships
- Register with Wyoming Department of EducationCreate the state agency's student account to track and claim awards
- Confirm your detailsVerify residency, GPA, and enrollment as required
- Meet any extra requirementsSome programs need a separate form, GPA, or service commitment
- Reapply every yearState aid is awarded annually
Deadlines & timing
State deadlines are typically much earlier than the federal FAFSA deadline, and some aid is first-come, first-served until funds run out. File the FAFSA as soon as it opens (in the fall) and confirm the state's specific priority date.
Tips to maximize state aid
- File the FAFSA as early as possiblePriority deadlines and limited funds reward early filers
- Confirm your residency and eligibilityMost state aid is for residents attending in-state schools
- Maintain the required GPAMerit awards usually require you keep a minimum GPA to renew
- Use the state agency's portalTrack, confirm, and claim your awards there
- Check renewal rules each yearKnow what keeps your award going
Frequently asked questions
- How do I get Wyoming aid?File the FAFSA (and any state form) by the deadline; Wyoming Department of Education administers the programs.
- Is it need-based or merit?Both — Wyoming offers need-based and merit programs.
- Are the deadlines earlier than federal?Usually yes — file early, as some aid is first-come.
- Can I use it out of state?Most aid is for in-state schools (with exceptions); check each program.
- Does this list private scholarships?No — this guide covers official programs only.
Key facts
- Merit + needHathaway Scholarship (tiered)
- Adults 24+Wyoming's Tomorrow
- High-demandWyoming Works
- Free tuition (Pell)Cowboy Commitment (UW)
- 529No state 529 (use another state's)
- AgencyWY Dept. of Education / WCCC
Where to learn more
Confirm current programs, amounts, and deadlines with the agency: